Amorites

The Amorites were an ancient Semitic-speaking people from Syria who occupied large parts of southern Mesopotamia from the 21st century BC to the end of the 17th century BC. According to the Book of Genesis, the Amorites originated with Canaan, and they were said to have been giants. The Amorites established several city-states, including Babylon, which was raised from a small town to an independent state and major city. From 2000 to 1595 BC, the Amorites ruled over Mesopotamia, and their rule was ended when the Hittites sacked Babylon in 1595 BC. Under Joshua, the Israelites slaughtered the armies of five Amorite kings; in 1400 BC, Joshua defeated more Amorites at the Waters of Merom. The Gibeonites were their descendants, as the Amorites disappeared after around 1200 BC.